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Our host family articles will provide you with information about hosting an exchange student with us. Already a host family? Find articles about supporting your exchange student
An Open Letter From A Host Family
"I promise you won’t regret it, at least until you are crying uncontrollably in the airport telling them goodbye for now!" - Chelsea (host mom)
What It’s Like To Host An Exchange Student
My kids have now have international siblings and have been exposed to people that have different cultures and ways of life.
Say “Yes!” To Hosting: The Rickett Family
I have always wanted a daughter, always. "Because of ETC I now have a daughter, lifelong friendships with some of the best ladies I have ever met, and a new understanding of “blood doesn’t make a family.” ". - Kayla (host mom)
Why Your Family Should Host An Exchange Student With ETC
The benefits of hosting a foreign exchange student are truly limitless; Gaining another member of your family, learning a new language, eating new meals, experiencing another way of life, etc.
26 Ways Of Expressing Appreciation To Your Host Family
Our relationships with others are what enrich our lives. Take time to show the people who make your life better how much you appreciate them and how much they matter. And ALWAYS choose to have a positive attitude!
Saying Goodbye To Your Exchange Student
Saying goodbye to your exchange student will NEVER be an easy thing. You just have to remember all of the good times together so far and how many more there will be.
What To Know Before Hosting An Exchange Student
Bringing the world into your home, family and community by hosting an international high school exchange student is not a decision that should be taken lightly.
Becoming Host Parents
Hosting an exchange student was something that I have wanted to do forever. With no babies, an exchange student is a perfect excuse for me to spoil someone.
Our Family Has Young Kids…We Just Aren’t Ready to Host Yet
Many families think they have to be empty nesters or wait until their kids become teenagers in order to be great hosts, but that could not be further from the truth.
How much is hosting a foreign exchange student?
Our exchange students are so excited to come to America to study and live with an American family. However, I am sure that you and your family had the discussion “How much will a foreign exchange student cost our family?”
Host Family Appreciation Month
Thank you to our generous ETC host families for all that you’ve done. You’ve changed lives and made a difference in your community.
4 Benefits of Hosting an Exchange Student Without Kids at Home
ETC seeks diversity in host families so students can get the true American experience.
Ways To Show You Care!
Your host family does so much for you! here are some tips to help you show your gratitude…
Student Adjustment Cycle and How the Host Family Can Help
These stages are far from universal, but most students who arrive in August for a 10 month stay, experience many of these stages at different times and to different degrees during their stay. Acknowledgment of these stages may help you to better understand some of the feelings your student may experience.
Helping your Exchange Student Process Homesickness
Host families play an integral role in introducing the exchange student to the community and helping students make the most of their experience in the United States.
Traveling With Your Exchange Student
Traveling with students can be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether it’s a road trip to a local destination or flying cross country for grandma’s birthday, your family will find this time valuable for bonding with your student as you discover new things about each other.
Differences in Religion and Spirituality
Spirituality is a deeply personal matter and religion religion may or may not be an important part of a host family’s life.
Culture Shock and Homesickness
Culture shock is the physical and emotional discomfort experienced when living in a culture with different values, perceptions, cultural norms and beliefs that “threaten” a person’s understanding of what he or she thought to be “right.”
Adjustment and Adaptation Issues
Conflict between student and host family is not uncommon. Causes of conflict include: failure to follow host family rules, weak adjustment effort and uncooperative attitude.
Five Simple Safety Tips for Host Families
Inviting an international student into your home is an exciting experience that thousands of host families enjoy every year. It is a time to share your culture, learn about someone else’s, and develop strong bonds along the way.
How to make American friends at school
Tips from "Actual" ETC Students!
Perceived Lack of English Proficiency
Some students may not be very communicative when they first arrive in the U.S. Communication in a foreign language is extremely tiring and can be frustrating.
Tips for Dealing with Conflict
Avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with international travel.
Tips for host families: preparing for student arrival
While there can be a substantial amount to prepare for as you get closer to welcoming your student, you can rest assured that your cultural experience with them will be a positive one.
Too Much Contact with Home
Many students deal with their feelings of homesickness and culture shock by seeking out close communication with family and friends from their home country.
International Students Enrich Your Community
International students play a part in social development. See what ETC says about how students contribute to communities while also benefiting themselves.
12 Best Recipes From Our Students Home Countries
Our past ETC students have claimed this celebration to be one of their favorite experiences of their entire exchange year.
Christmas Around The World
Christmas is celebrated in most parts of the world with different nuances and traditions. Learning how Christmas is viewed, experienced and rejoiced in other countries will help us to better connect to our students and enrich our own traditions.
Nola Meets Fort Mill, SC
In the Fort Mill School District, there has been an increasing, amount of foreign exchange students that attend these schools for an entire school year. Nola Schramm is a junior at Fort Mill High School that is a part of this program.
International Education Week 2019
International Education Week (November 18-22, 2019) is a national week of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education that celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
Activities for Teens
Dear Host Families! We value and appreciate even more today all the dedication you have shown to our program and our students during these circumstances. Keep our students positive, healthy and happy!
Phone Number
(503) 222-9803 in Portland
(877) 222-9803 Toll Free
Fax: (503) 227-7224
Address
1029 SW Washington Street Portland, OR 97205
